Paying for residential care
Care home fees will vary depending on the area, the care home and your own financial circumstances.
What's changing for social care funding?
The Government is planning to reform social care in England. This includes changing the rules around state funding for social care, including the introduction of a 'cap' on care costs.
What are the Government's current proposals for a cap on care costs?
The Government proposes to:
- Introduce a 'cap' on how much an individual has to spend on personal care costs over their lifetime, set at £86,000.
- Increase the capital thresholds for means-tested social care funding to £20,000 and £100,000.
When will the cap come into effect?
As part of its Autumn Statement on 17 November 2022, the Government announced that the reforms will be delayed by two years. Originally, they were due to be introduced in October 2023 – this is now October 2025.
The delay has caused many discussions, and you might have heard different reactions in the news or online. But it's important to remember that, until the proposed changes come into force, the current funding rules still apply.
Age UK can't give you advice about how the Government's planned reforms may affect you, as they're only proposals at this stage and they won't be introduced until October 2025.
However, we have information and advice that may help you understand how care costs work under the current social care rules.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.